Former Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local board chairperson Lemauga Lydia Sosene was sworn into Parliament in Wellington yesterday as the new Labour list MP, replacing outgoing list MP Louisa Wall who retired in March.
Lemauga joined the Labour Party in 2000 and was the highest-ranked Labour List candidate who was not elected at the 2020 election.
She joins the largest ever Pacific caucus in Aotearoa’s Parliamentary history, with a total of 11 members of Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island and Tokelauan descent.
Born and raised in South Auckland, Lemauga is known for being a strong advocate for Pacific communities. During her 12 year background in local body affairs, she was elected to the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local board in 2010 and spent the last 9 years as Chair.
“I am excited to join a Government that cares about the future of this country and to be able to play my part to help improve the lives of all New Zealanders.”
Of Samoan descent, Lemauga hails from the villages of Falefa Falevao, Matautu, Sapunaoa Falealili, Saasaai Savai’i, Salani and Apia.
Photo: Labour Pasifika Caption: Lemauga Lydia Sosene – swearing in